Indicator and method of verifying a tool has reached a portion of a tubular

ABSTRACT

An indicator including a body configured to be run within a tubular from a first portion to a second portion of the tubular. A sensor disposed at the body configured to detect when a tool run through the tubular has reached the body. A signal generator configured to send notification that the tool has reached the body; and a plunger configured to cause the signal generator to send notification upon being urged relative to the body. A method of verifying a tool.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/357,159 Filed on Jan. 24, 2012, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

It is common in tubular systems to run a tool through the tubular to adesired position therewithin. Such running is typically done by pumpingfluid or by dropping the tool and relying on gravity to move it throughthe tubular. Depending upon parameters of the tool, the tubular and thefit therebetween, however, it may be difficult to move the tooltherethrough. The tool may become hung prior to reaching the desiredposition and the rate of running may slow thereby consuming valuabletime that could be used more productively. The art is therefore alwaysreceptive to devices and methods to address the aforementionedshortcomings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is an indicator including a body configured to be runwithin a tubular from a first portion to a second portion of thetubular; a sensor disposed at the body configured to detect when a toolrun through the tubular has reached the body; a signal generatorconfigured to send notification that the tool has reached the body; anda plunger configured to cause the signal generator to send notificationupon being urged relative to the body.

Further disclosed is an indicator including a body configured to be runwithin a tubular from a first portion to a second portion of thetubular; a sensor disposed at the body configured to detect when a toolrun through the tubular has reached the body; and a signal generatorbeing configured to send notification that the tool has reached thebody, wherein the signal generator is configured to emit a substancestored therewithin.

Further disclosure is an indicator including a body configured to be runwithin a tubular from a first portion to a second portion of thetubular; a sensor disposed at the body configured to detect when a toolrun through the tubular has reached the body; and a signal generatorbeing configured to send notification that the tool has reached thebody, wherein the body is the sensor and is configured to sense that thetool has reached the body by rupturing of the body.

Further disclosed is a method of verifying a tool has reached a secondportion of a tubular including running an indicator through the tubularfrom a first portion to a second portion thereof; running a tool throughthe tubular to the indicator; sensing that the tool has reached theindicator; and sending notification from the indicator that the tool hasreached the indicator wherein sending notification includes discharginga substance from the indicator.

Further disclosed is a method of verifying a tool has reached a secondportion of a tubular including running an indicator through the tubularfrom a first portion to a second portion thereof; running a tool throughthe tubular to the indicator; sensing that the tool has reached theindicator; and sending notification from the indicator that the tool hasreached the indicator, wherein the sensing includes compressing aplunger.

Further disclosed is an indicator including a body configured to be runwithin a drill string from a first portion to a second portion of thedrill string; a sensor disposed at the body configured to detect when atool run through the drill string has reached the body; a signalgenerator configured to send notification that the tool has reached thebody.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way.With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numberedalike:

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a borehole employing the indicatordisclosed herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an indicator disclosed herein; and

FIG. 3 depicts a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of anindicator disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosedapparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification andnot limitation with reference to the Figures.

Referring to FIG. 1, a borehole 10 in an earth formation 14 is shownwherein an embodiment of an indicator 18 disclosed herein is deployed.The indicator 18 has a body 22 configured to be run through a tubular26, shown in this embodiment as a drill string, from a first portion 27to a second portion 28 of the tubular 26. Illustrated in this embodimentis a sensor 30 disposed at the body 22 is configured to detect that atool 34, run through the tubular 26, has reached the indicator 18. Theindicator 18 also includes a signal generator 38 configured to sendnotification that the tool 34 has reached the indicator 18 and thus thesecond portion 28 of the tubular 26.

The embodiment of the indicator 18, as illustrated in FIG. 1, is used todetect when a measuring device (the tool 34) has reached total depth ofa wellbore (the borehole 10) in a hydrocarbon recovery application. Thetubular 26, as illustrated, is a drill string with a structure 42,illustrated herein as a bottom hole assembly (BHA) at the second portion28, which in this case is the end of the tubular 26 located at the totaldepth (TD) or bottom of the borehole 10. In such an application it isimportant to know that the measurement device 34 is positioned at theBHA 42 for meaningful data to be acquired. Dimensionally the measurementdevice 34 typically fits rather tightly within inner dimensions of thedrill string 26 and thus is prone to hang up on occasion when being runtherethrough. This tight fit also limits a rate at which the measurementdevice 34 can be run. In contrast, the body 22 of the indicator 18 isrelatively small in comparison to inner dimensions of the drill string26 and accordingly is less likely to get hung within the drill string26. Additionally, the indicator 18 can be run through the drillstring 26at high pressures and thus high run rates and is constructed towithstand these conditions as well as impacts upon reaching TD and frombeing contacted by the tool 34. The indicator 18 disclosed herein thenprovides an operator with greater confidence that the measurement tool34 has indeed reached the BHA 42. Although in this embodiment thestructure 42 is a BHA that serves as a stop for the indicator 18, thestructure 42 can be anything sufficiently sized and positioned to stopthe indicator 18 upon running thereagainst.

Referring to FIG. 2, the body 22 of the indicator 18 of this embodimentincludes wings 46 that protrude radially therefrom. The wings 46 canhave leading edges 50 that are angled to resist catching on any debrisor anything else that may be attached to an inner wall 48 of the tubular26 thereby decreasing chances that the indicator 18 will get hung upwithin the tubular 26 prior to reaching the second portion 28. The wings46 can be fixedly attached to the body 22 or movably attached such thatthey can move radially inwardly into slots 54, as if, for example,against a bias. Radially constant portions 58 of each wing 46 may belongitudinally dimensioned to align an axis 62 of the body 22 relativeto an axis of the tubular 26 while running therethrough.

Additionally, the body 22 may have stabilizers 66 that are deployableonce the indicator 18 has reached the second portion 28 to radiallyorient and fix or latch the indicator 18 to the tubular 26. At leastportions of the stabilizers 66 in this embodiment can move radiallyoutwardly relative to the body 22 that can be controlled by a ratchetingmechanism (not shown) to prevent retraction thereof and maintain contactbetween the stabilizers 66 and the inner wall 48 after such contact hasbeen established. A release member 70 can be configured to cause thestabilizers 66 to radially deploy when urged relative to the body 22 bycontact with the second portion 28, for example. By extending radiallyoutwardly from the body 22, the stabilizers 66 and the wings 46 leavesufficient flow area in the annular space between the body 22 and thewalls 48 for fluid flow such as for mud circulation, for example.

Orienting the body 22 relative to the tubular 26 with the stabilizers 70can also assist in detecting that the tool 34 has reached the indicator18. The sensor 30 disposed at the indicator 18 is configured to detectwhen the tool 34 has reached the indicator 18. The sensor 30 can detectthe tool 34 in various ways including, via acceleration or a pressurechange resulting from impact of the tool 34 with the indicator 18. Insuch cases the sensor 30 may include an accelerometer or a pressureswitch. Alternately, the sensor 30 can include a mechanical actuatorthat actuates when a plunger 78 extending from the body 22 is movedrelative to the body 22 when contacted by the tool 34, for example. Theplunger 78 can extend from the body 22 in an orientation (upwards in theFigure) so that it is contacted directly by the tool 34 when the tool 34reaches the indicator 18.

The sensor 30 is in functional communication with the signal generator38 to cause the signal generator 38 to send notification upon the sensor30 detecting that the tool 34 has reached the indicator 18. The signalgenerator 38 can send the notification in different forms. For example,the signal generator 38 can emit a substance stored within the indicator18 that can be detected by another remote device positioned at thesecond portion 28 or at the first portion 27. Substances contemplatedinclude a colored die, a particle tracer and a radioactive tracer,although the invention is not limited to these. Alternatively, thesignal generator 38 can configured to emit a signal, rather than asubstance, receptive by a device positioned at the second portion 28 orat the first portion 27. Signals contemplated include emittingelectromagnetic energy, radioactive energy, seismic energy and acousticenergy. However the signals emitted are not are not limited to these.

In alternate embodiments the indicator 18 may be equipped so that thesignal generator 38, or another separate signal generator, sendsnotification that the indicator 18, itself, has reached the secondportion 28. The means of sending such a notification can be the same asthose described above and employed by the signal generator 38 or can bein another form.

Referring to FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment of an indicator disclosedherein is illustrated at 118. The embodiment of the indicator 118 issimpler than the indicator 18 in that a sensor 139 and a signalgenerator 138 are an integral part of the indicator 118. The indicator118 includes a body 122, in the form of a hollow sphere in thisembodiment, although other shapes could just as well be employed. Thebody 122 is filled with media 124 that could be a die, a radioactivefluid, or other mater pumpable through the tubular 26 or wellbore 10 anddetectable remotely. Such detection provides indication that the tool 34has impacted with the body 122 causing it to rupture thereby releasingthe media 124 in the process.

Set forth below are some embodiments of the foregoing disclosure:

Embodiment 1

An indicator comprising: a body configured to be run within a tubularfrom a first portion to a second portion of the tubular; a sensordisposed at the body configured to detect when a tool run through thetubular has reached the body; a signal generator configured to sendnotification that the tool has reached the body; and a plungerconfigured to cause the signal generator to send notification upon beingurged relative to the body.

Embodiment 2

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, wherein the tool isa measurement tool.

Embodiment 3

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, wherein theindicator is configured to be pumped through the tubular.

Embodiment 4

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, further comprisingwings extendable from the body configured to orient the body relative tothe tubular while being run therethrough.

Embodiment 5

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, wherein the wingsare radially movable relative to the body.

Embodiment 6

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, further comprisingstabilizers configured to fix the indicator to the tubular.

Embodiment 7

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, further comprisingat least one stabilizer configured to extend from the body to engagewith the tubular after the body has reached the second portion

Embodiment 8

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, further comprising arelease member configured to cause the at least one stabilizer to extendfrom the body upon the release member being urged relative to the body.

Embodiment 9

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, wherein theindicator is configured to self-orient relative to the tubular uponreaching the second portion.

Embodiment 10

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, wherein the sensorincludes at least one of an accelerometer, a switch and a mechanicalactuator.

Embodiment 11

An indicator comprising: a body configured to be run within a tubularfrom a first portion to a second portion of the tubular; a sensordisposed at the body configured to detect when a tool run through thetubular has reached the body; and a signal generator being configured tosend notification that the tool has reached the body, wherein the signalgenerator is configured to emit a substance stored therewithin.

Embodiment 12

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, wherein thesubstance includes at least one of a colored die, a particle tracer anda radioactive tracer.

Embodiment 13

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, wherein the signalgenerator is configured to emit a signal.

Embodiment 14

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, wherein the signalemitted includes at least one of electromagnetic energy, radioactiveenergy, seismic energy and acoustic energy.

Embodiment 15

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, wherein the signalgenerator is configured to send notification that the body has beencontacted by the tool.

Embodiment 16

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, wherein the signalgenerator is configured to send notification that the indicator hasreached the second portion.

Embodiment 17

An indicator comprising: a body configured to be run within a tubularfrom a first portion to a second portion of the tubular; a sensordisposed at the body configured to detect when a tool run through thetubular has reached the body; and a signal generator being configured tosend notification that the tool has reached the body, wherein the bodyis the sensor and is configured to sense that the tool has reached thebody by rupturing of the body.

Embodiment 18

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, wherein the signalgenerator includes media initially stored within the body that isdetectable upon release from the body upon rupture of the body.

Embodiment 19

A method of verifying a tool has reached a second portion of a tubularcomprising: running an indicator through the tubular from a firstportion to a second portion thereof; running a tool through the tubularto the indicator; sensing that the tool has reached the indicator; andsending notification from the indicator that the tool has reached theindicator wherein sending notification includes discharging a substancefrom the indicator.

Embodiment 20

The method of verifying a tool has reached a second portion of a tubularof any of the proceeding embodiments, wherein the running includespumping.

Embodiment 21

The method of verifying a tool has reached a second portion of a tubularof any of the proceeding embodiments, wherein the fixing includesextending stabilizers.

Embodiment 22

The method of verifying a tool has reached a second portion of a tubularof any of the proceeding embodiments, further comprising orienting theindicator relative to the tubular after reaching the second portion.

Embodiment 23

A method of verifying a tool has reached a second portion of a tubularcomprising: running an indicator through the tubular from a firstportion to a second portion thereof; running a tool through the tubularto the indicator; sensing that the tool has reached the indicator; andsending notification from the indicator that the tool has reached theindicator, wherein the sensing includes compressing a plunger.

Embodiment 24

An indicator comprising: a body configured to be run within a drillstring from a first portion to a second portion of the drill string; asensor disposed at the body configured to detect when a tool run throughthe drill string has reached the body; a signal generator configured tosend notification that the tool has reached the body.

Embodiment 25

The indicator of any of the proceeding embodiments, wherein the tool isa measurement tool

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. Further, it should further be noted that the terms “first,”“second,” and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, orimportance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.The modifier “about” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive ofthe stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., itincludes the degree of error associated with measurement of theparticular quantity).

The teachings of the present disclosure may be used in a variety of welloperations. These operations may involve using one or more treatmentagents to treat a formation, the fluids resident in a formation, awellbore, and/or equipment in the wellbore, such as production tubing.The treatment agents may be in the form of liquids, gases, solids,semi-solids, and mixtures thereof. Illustrative treatment agentsinclude, but are not limited to, fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water,brine, anti-corrosion agents, cement, permeability modifiers, drillingmuds, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, tracers, flow improvers etc.Illustrative well operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulicfracturing, stimulation, tracer injection, cleaning, acidizing, steaminjection, water flooding, cementing, etc.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substitutedfor elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention.In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particularsituation or material to the teachings of the invention withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intendedthat the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosedas the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but thatthe invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope ofthe claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have beendisclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specificterms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in ageneric and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation,the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited.

What is claimed:
 1. An indicator comprising: a body configured to be runwithin a tubular from a first portion to a second portion of thetubular; a sensor disposed at the body configured to detect when a toolrun through the tubular has reached the body; a signal generatorconfigured to send notification that the tool has reached the body; anda plunger configured to cause the signal generator to send notificationupon being urged relative to the body.
 2. The indicator of claim 1,wherein the tool is a measurement tool.
 3. The indicator of claim 1,wherein the indicator is configured to be pumped through the tubular. 4.The indicator of claim 1, further comprising wings extendable from thebody configured to orient the body relative to the tubular while beingrun therethrough.
 5. The indicator of claim 4, wherein the wings areradially movable relative to the body.
 6. The indicator of claim 1,further comprising stabilizers configured to fix the indicator to thetubular.
 7. The indicator of claim 1, further comprising at least onestabilizer configured to extend from the body to engage with the tubularafter the body has reached the second portion.
 8. The indicator of claim8, further comprising a release member configured to cause the at leastone stabilizer to extend from the body upon the release member beingurged relative to the body.
 9. The indicator of claim 1, wherein theindicator is configured to self-orient relative to the tubular uponreaching the second portion.
 10. The indicator of claim 1, wherein thesensor includes at least one of an accelerometer, a switch and amechanical actuator.
 11. An indicator comprising: a body configured tobe run within a tubular from a first portion to a second portion of thetubular; a sensor disposed at the body configured to detect when a toolrun through the tubular has reached the body; and a signal generatorbeing configured to send notification that the tool has reached thebody, wherein the signal generator is configured to emit a substancestored therewithin.
 12. The indicator of claim 11, wherein the substanceincludes at least one of a colored die, a particle tracer and aradioactive tracer.
 13. The indicator of claim 1, wherein the signalgenerator is configured to emit a signal.
 14. The indicator of claim 13,wherein the signal emitted includes at least one of electromagneticenergy, radioactive energy, seismic energy and acoustic energy.
 15. Theindicator of claim 1, wherein the signal generator is configured to sendnotification that the body has been contacted by the tool.
 16. Theindicator of claim 1, wherein the signal generator is configured to sendnotification that the indicator has reached the second portion.
 17. Anindicator comprising: a body configured to be run within a tubular froma first portion to a second portion of the tubular; a sensor disposed atthe body configured to detect when a tool run through the tubular hasreached the body; and a signal generator being configured to sendnotification that the tool has reached the body, wherein the body is thesensor and is configured to sense that the tool has reached the body byrupturing of the body.
 18. The indicator of claim 16, wherein the signalgenerator includes media initially stored within the body that isdetectable upon release from the body upon rupture of the body.
 19. Amethod of verifying a tool has reached a second portion of a tubularcomprising: running an indicator through the tubular from a firstportion to a second portion thereof; running a tool through the tubularto the indicator; sensing that the tool has reached the indicator; andsending notification from the indicator that the tool has reached theindicator wherein sending notification includes discharging a substancefrom the indicator.
 20. The method of verifying a tool has reached asecond portion of a tubular of claim 19, wherein the running includespumping.
 21. The method of verifying a tool has reached a second portionof a tubular of claim 19, wherein the fixing includes extendingstabilizers.
 22. The method of verifying a tool has reached a secondportion of a tubular of claim 19, further comprising orienting theindicator relative to the tubular after reaching the second portion. 23.A method of verifying a tool has reached a second portion of a tubularcomprising: running an indicator through the tubular from a firstportion to a second portion thereof; running a tool through the tubularto the indicator; sensing that the tool has reached the indicator; andsending notification from the indicator that the tool has reached theindicator, wherein the sensing includes compressing a plunger.
 24. Anindicator comprising: a body configured to be run within a drill stringfrom a first portion to a second portion of the drill string; a sensordisposed at the body configured to detect when a tool run through thedrill string has reached the body; a signal generator configured to sendnotification that the tool has reached the body.
 25. The indicator ofclaim 24, wherein the tool is a measurement tool